The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1887-12-08
A Close Call for Mr.. Washburne.

The death of the Hon. E. B. Wash
burne reminds the Washington cores
pondent of the Philadelphia Ledger of
an incident related by Ward H. La
mon. Col. Lamon was Mr.. Lincoln's
travelling companion on his celebrated
journey from Springfield, H., to
Washington, when the president-elect
was on his way to assume the Office of
president. The air was full of rumors
OF plots for the assassination of the
president-elect, and in consequence of
report that an attempt would be
made on his life at Baltimore the pro-
gramme arranged for the trip to Wash
ington was suddenly changed, and Mr..
Lincoln, who had gone from Philadel-
phia to Harrisburg, the intention be-
ing to proceed from the latter place
to Baltimore, was brought back to
Philadelphia and placed on the regu-
lar midnight train leaving that city for
the capital. In addition to Col. La
mon, Mr. Lincoln had as a body guard
Allan Pinkerton and another detective.
Mr.. Washburne was the only man in
Washington who knew that the presi-
dent-elect would arrive at the capital
in the early morning instead of in the
afternoon, as was originally proposed.
The arrival of Mr.. Lincoln at the CAPT
tai is best told in Col. Lannon's own
words.
Il never closed my eyes," said Col
Lamon, 'during the trip from Phila-
delphia to Washington. The story of
the cloak and Scotch cap to disguise
Mr. Lincoln had no foundation. There
was no attempt at disguise and no oc-
casion for it, We reached Baltimore
at daybreak, and, as the cars were be-
ing examined and made ready for the
transfer through Baltimore from the
President street depot to that at Cam
den street, we could hear the remarks
made by the traiumen and those about
the station in reference to the antici-
pated arrival of Lincoln during the
afternoon of that day. Mr.. Lincoln
and myself remained in the berth I'M
til the train left Baltimore. | did not
know; nor did Mr.. Lincoln expect, Mr..
Washburne was to meet him at the de-
pot in Washington. Besides, l did not
know Mr.. Washburne by sight On
reaching Washington we left the train
and proceeded with the other passen-
gers toward the large room of the Bal
ClnOre N OHlO uCpOI lIOhtluS on new
Jersey avenue, intending to pass
through to the street, and taking car
riage drive to the residence of William
H. Seward. When we reached the
waiting room man approached Mr.
Lincoln, laid his hand on the shoulder
of the president-elect, end called his
name. / paid no attention to what he
said, but in an instant my pistol was
at his head, as was also that of Allan
Pinkerton. Mr.. Lincoln grasped my
arm and said: Ward, this is Mr.
Washburne. You must be more care
full of our friends | replied: Mr..
Washburne should have more sense
than to accost you in this place in such
a manner.
although L afterward became well
| acquainted with Mr.. Washburne, he
never forgave me for this demonstra-
ton. | have often thought of this in
cident, and could never explain to my
self now Mr. Washburne escaped death
that morning from my pistol or that
of Allan Pinkerton. Had Mr.. Lincoln
| first seen and recognized Mr.. Wash
burne it would not have aroused our
| suspicious, but Mr.. Lincoln did not
see Mr.. Washburne until his hand was
| laid on Lincoln's shoulder and until
| Mr.. Washburne called his name. 1t
was very close call for Mr.. Wash
| Eurne"